Winter 2025 Newsletter
A Busy and Brilliant Year for OEGS
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s been another successful and enjoyable season for OEGS golf, marked by great competition, camaraderie, and enthusiasm across our events.
The Richard Day Singles Knockout Finals were held at Rye Golf Club on Saturday, 25th October, in perfect autumn weather. In the semi-finals, Ben Burrows defeated Chris Walker 3 & 2 after a blistering start that saw him one under par after four holes and four up. Iryna Photiou overcame Claire Patterson-Snell in a close 2 & 1 victory to secure her place in the final. In the deciding match, Ben, giving Iryna only five shots, proved too strong, winning 5 & 3 to become a very worthy champion.
Earlier in October, the Triangular Match took place at West Surrey Golf Club, where teams from the OEGS, Old Reedonians, and Old Dovorians competed for the Foresail Trophy. Our opponents proved to be somewhat stronger than us, albeit everyone enjoyed the day in the warm autumn sunshine.
Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for the Norfolk Golf Tour 2026, taking place from 24–26 April on the stunning North Norfolk coast. Members of all abilities are invited to join this fantastic weekend, playing three classic links courses — Hunstanton, Royal West Norfolk (Brancaster), and Sheringham — with special reduced green fees.
Finally, with Christmas fast approaching, don’t miss the new OEGS-branded Glenmuir clothing range — perfect gifts for golfers and a great way to show OE pride.
Thank you all for a wonderful year, and a very Happy Christmas from OEGS!
David Burt (Gonville 1966-70)
OEGS Hon. Secretary
Semi-finals and final of the Richard Day Singles Knockout – 25th October 2025
The semi-finals and final of the 2025 Richard Day Singles Knockout were held at Rye GC on Saturday, 25th October. On a lovely autumn day, Ben Burrows defeated Chris Walker in the first semi-final by 3 & 2 (which could have been even more convincing given that Ben was one under par after 4 holes and 4 up). Iryna Photiou triumphed over Claire Patterson-Snell in a still closer match by a margin of 2 & 1.
In the final, Ben, giving Iryna only 5 shots, emerged victorious by 5 & 3. Ben doubtless benefitted from local knowledge as a member of Rye but he is a very worthy champion and this victory must be some compensation for him losing the first Richard Day final in 2022 to Jack Hughes.
The tournament is in memory of OEGS member Richard Day and it was great to once again entertain Richard’s wife Louise, and his daughters Claire and Chloe to lunch. Also present were Bob, Chris and Herbie Stephenson. Our thanks go to Chris in particular for arranging us to play the semi-finals and final at Rye each year.
We shall repeat the tournament in 2026 but would welcome a still larger number of competitors. The early rounds can be played at any golf course and the finals day at Rye is covered by the very modest entry fees.
Chris Walker, Louise Day, Ben Burrows, Iryna Photiou and Claire Patterson-Snell
Bob and Chris Stephenson, with Louise and her two daughters, Claire Patterson-Snell and OEGS President, Chris Walker
Triangular Event October 2025
Once again, West Surrey GC played host to the annual Triangular match on 9 October, with six players from each of the OEGS, Old Reedonians and Old Dovorians teams competing for the Foresail Trophy.
The OEGS team consisted of David Burt (captain), David and Tony Dunn, Mike Hutchinson, Iryna Photiou and Paul Wickman and despite the pleasant warm weather and the course being in excellent condition, the team sadly only managed a total of 166 stableford points, albeit a slightly higher score than last year.
The runners up team, the ODs, scored a total of 186 points, while the overall winners, the OR team, scored 200 points. In addition to the team trophy, the prize for the highest individual score was won by OR member, Justin Chuter with 39 points, the nearest the pin on the 18th hole was another OR member, Peter Griffin, while the nearest the pin on the 12th hole was won by OEGS member, Iryna Photiou. So it wasn’t all bad news!
Join Us for the Norfolk Golf Tour 2026!
Next year, over the weekend of 24–26 April, OEGS members of all abilities are invited to enjoy a truly special golfing experience on the stunning North Norfolk coast.
We’ll be playing three exceptional links courses — Hunstanton, Royal West Norfolk (Brancaster), and Sheringham — each offering its own unique challenge and spectacular coastal views.
Plans for this popular annual tour are already well underway, and thanks to the generous support of members from the three clubs, we’ve secured significantly reduced green fees for participants.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to enjoy great golf, good company, and beautiful seaside scenery.
To find out more or to reserve your place, please contact David Burt directly at 07968 591756 or oegs.secretary@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing you in Norfolk!
Alex Photiou driving at Sheringham GC.
Eastbourne Eyes Halford Hewitt Success in 2026
We’re already gearing up for the 2026 Halford Hewitt Tournament, taking place from 9th–12th April at the legendary Royal Cinque Ports and Royal St. George’s Golf Clubs. With 64 teams of 10 players each, this is the largest amateur golf tournament in the world — and Eastbourne has proudly competed ever since 1932.
The draw will be held in London this January, and excitement is building as we aim to field a team featuring some of our younger, stronger golfers for 2026.
If you’d like to be part of this incredible tradition, now’s your chance — get in touch with Chris Walker at chris@seiswise.com to put your name forward for selection. Let’s make 2026 a year to remember!
The 2025 Halford Hewitt Team
Why Not Buy for Christmas? 🎄
Shop the New OEGS Branded Glenmuir Clothing Range
Christmas is just around the corner, and what better gift for the golfer in your life — or for yourself — than something from the brand-new OEGS-branded Glenmuir clothing range? We’re delighted to announce that our expanded collection is now available to order directly online, making festive shopping effortless and enjoyable.
In partnership with Glenmuir, renowned for crafting premium golf apparel since 1891, we’re offering members a stylish, high-performance range that perfectly balances tradition and modern design. Each piece — from the timeless Torrance Micro Stripe Golf Shirt to the versatile Douglas Quarter Zip Midlayer — proudly features the OEGS crest, reflecting both elegance and OE pride. These garments are designed for comfort and performance on the course, while looking equally smart off it.
OEGS branded Douglas midlayer
Members can also take advantage of exclusive discounts and free UK delivery, making it the ideal time to refresh your golf wardrobe or surprise a fellow OE with a thoughtful, practical present. Ordering couldn’t be simpler: choose your preferred style, size, and colour, add to your bag, and check out securely online.
Don’t forget to explore our popular accessories from Asbri Golf, including the OEGS Tourdry Umbrella and Titleist Tour Soft Balls — perfect stocking fillers for any golfer.
So why wait? Shop today, spread some festive cheer, and show your OEGS pride in style this Christmas!
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a successful golfing start to 2026,
Jonathan Winchester (Craig House 1980-85)
Newsletter Editor